Probate Practitioners Harlow Posted by Probate Bureau , 20/05/2019

Probate Practitioners Harlow

Sometimes, when you experience a loved one passing away and you're faced with acting as an executor, it can seem like a big commitment. The administration of an estate can take up to 9 months and in some cases even longer, so you need to be prepared for the work involved.

Here at The Probate Bureau, we are expert probate practitioners offering our services throughout Harlow and the South East. Since being established in 1999, we have been proud to offer a unique blend of bespoke legal and financial solutions to families at the most difficult of times, all at a very fair and reasonable fixed fee. So, whatever you need, even if it's just some advice on what you should and shouldn't do, give us a call on 0808 256 2366.

What is Probate?

Probate is the process of sorting out all the belongings someone has left behind after they've passed away. This involves organising their money, assets and possessions and distributing them as inheritance.

If the deceased has left a Will, it will name the executor, who will deal with these possessions and who they should go to. However, if they haven't left a will, this is where it can become more complicated. Their possesions will be processed by 'the Rules of Intestacy'.

Common Probate Jargon

When working through the probate process after someone has passed away, you will come across a few common terms. These include:

• Estate: All the deceased's property and possessions, including any debts. An estate can have any value, positive or negative. It's common to image an estate as extensive land and property, but the someone's estate can be as simple as a few notes in a purse.
• Testator: The person who has made the Will.
• Executor: The person responsible for administering the estate of a testator once he or she has died. The deceased’s Will should name who the executor is.
• Probate: Technically, the term probate does refer to a legal document that appoints the executor and gives them the legal power they need to administer the deceased’s estate. This process will also prove that a Will is valid.

What is a Will?

A Will is a legal document that tells your loved ones how you'd like your property distributed and who you want it to go to after you pass.

Why Should I Make a Will?

Creating a Will gives you complete control over how your assets are distributed. If you have minor children, a will will also allow you to decide who cares for them.

A Will also minimises tensions between any surviving family and friends, so they don't end up battling over your possessions and potentially weakening an otherwise strong family bond.

If you do support any charities, a Will also allows you to direct your assets to any charity of your choice.

What Doesn't a Will Cover?

Whilst Wills generally cover the vast majority of your assets, you may find that some items are not covered by the instructions laid out in your Will. These items include community property, proceeds from a life insurance policy pay-out, retirement assets, assets owened as joint tenants with rights of survivorship and investment accounts that are designated as "transfer on death".

How Do I Choose My Executors?

Choosing the executor of your will can be a hard task. This will be the person who sorts out all of your property when you pass away and carries out all of your instructions. You can choose whoever you wish to be your executor, but it is important to get it right.

Anyone over the age of 18 can be an executor and there is no rule against the people named in your Will as beneficiaries also being your executor. It is very common for people to choose their spouse or civil partner to be their executor, as they know they can trust them.

You can choose up to four executors at a time, but keep in mind that they will all have to act jointly, so it may not be practical to appoint that many people. Though, it is a good idea to choose two executors, just in case one passes before you do.

Probate Bureau, Professional Probate Solicitors in Harlow

Are you searching for probate solicitors in Harlow? Here at The Probate Bureau, it is our goal to provide you with the very best service we can provide.

We understand that when a loved one passes away, it can be a stressful, even traumatic time and that’s why we want help. We’ll be happy to shoulder the whole burden of winding up an estate from paying the funeral director to getting final inland revenue clearance, all at a fair and reasonable, fixed fee price.

So, if you’re in need of some advice or just have a few questions, please feel free to give us a ring on 0808 256 2366. We will never treat you like “just another client”. We will make sure that you and your case are treated with the professionalism and care you need and deserve.